From exquisite to funky to patriotic, Burleith homes got festive in time for the BCA’s annual holiday decorating contest. On Saturday, December 17, we combed the neighborhood’s streets and alleys to find the best decorations of 2016. Accompanied by Georgetown Current staff writer Mark Lieberman, whose account appears in the December 21 issue, we were excited to see our community holiday spirit shine bright. (The Current's "Holiday Cheer" editorial noted, "Not only are many Washingtonians bedecking their houses individually, but the Burleith Citizens Association is encouraging its members further with an organized competition.")

Prizes will be awarded in the new year to the winners in the top five categories.

1704 35th Street, which also won in 2015.

Grand Prize: 1704 35th Street. This elegant house on the hill (above) has outdone itself this year! Soft white and green lights shimmer delicately across the entire façade and adorn the entrance way. The glow of the beautiful tree through the windows embellished with classic wreaths make this home a spectacular sight for the holidays.

3819 S Street.

First Prize: 3819 S Street. A blue curtain of glittering lights, colorful flickering bulbs on the iron fence, and welcoming holiday music in the background make this house particularly special. The Abominable Snowman covered in lights just happens to be one of the judge’s favorite holiday characters!

3623 S Street.

Second Prize: 3623 S Street. Decorated by newcomers to the neighborhood and to the holiday decorating contest, this house is bedecked with a mixture of colorful and white lights. The rear view of this home also twinkles! The owners, whose flight was delayed on the evening of the judging, quickly made it home to make sure their lights were plugged in and ready for our visit. They even emailed us to make sure we didn’t miss their home. Fortunately, we'd already seen and liked their bright display. We love this family's enthusiasm and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Third Prize: 1720 37th Street. Once again, this home did not disappoint. A regular in the holiday lighting contest, the house was festooned with red, white, and blue lights gently intertwined in the wood picket fence, draped across bushes, and swirled around a tree. In the back, a spiral staircase beckoned with lights!

Fourth Prize: 3527 T Street. As we went by this "best kept secret" house, four elves, including two little ones, emerged on their way to the ZooLights event at the National Zoo. The little elves exclaimed, “We know who you are, you’re the judges!” How could we resist their excitement over the colorful lights outlining porch and railings and the blanket of green lights punctuated by candy canes below.

This fun annual event is sponsored by the Burleith Citizens Association. See you next year!